Durham, NC - Seven active duty Army Officers will be running an ultra-relay from Chapel Quad on Duke University’s Campus in Durham, NC August 11th with plans to arrive 500 miles later at One World Trade Center, New York City on August 17th. A huge kickoff event is scheduled in Durham beginning at 1:00pm with live entertainment from the band “Crossover Drive”. A ceremonial 5K will begin at 2:00 as local runners team up to send the soldiers off on their journey.

The runners will stop on day three of their run for a visit to Walter Reid Medical Center, meeting fellow Veterans and spending time with them, followed by a stop at Arlington Cemetery to honor our fallen. The team is also raising money for The Mission Continues, a nonprofit started by fellow Duke grad, Eric Greitens.

The Mission Continues is a national nonprofit that supports post-9/11 veterans in their transition home. By awarding 6-month community service fellowships for veterans to serve at nonprofits in their communities, The Mission Continues empowers veterans to identify a renewed sense of purpose while working towards a post-fellowship goal of full time employment and/or pursuit of higher education, while maintaining a permanent role of public service.

The Freedom 500 team is stationed throughout the country and are all former Duke University graduates who met in ROTC. Many have been deployed, some multiple times making this mission very close to their hearts.

Runners wanting to participate in the Ceremonial 5K with the soldiers in Durham, NC should contact the team via email at freedom500@cathyannadesigns.com. 5K Registration will be open until 1:45pm on August 11th.

To learn more about The Freedom 500 or donate to The Mission Continues, visit their website at www.thefreedom500.com or follow them on Twitter @freedom500.